Time and again, we’ve been told not to pick at our faces, but sometimes, we just can’t help it! However satisfying it is to touch and pick at our face, it must be known that this habit could be harmful to our skin. It promotes scarring and spreads germs, triggering or worsening a multitude of acne problems.
One of the most common acne problems is a recurring case of blackheads. Thankfully, we’ve found a way to finally get rid of these pesky black dots that ruin our complexion. Read on to discover everything you need to know about blackheads and how to get rid of them once and for all!
Let’s Take a Look at Blackheads
Blackheads arise when a clog or plug forms in the apertures of the skin's hair follicles. In each follicle, a single hair strand is accompanied by a single sebaceous gland.
While this sebaceous oil naturally moisturizes your skin, an excess of this could develop a comedo when dead skin cells and oils gather at the skin follicle entrance. When the skin covering the bump opens, oxidation discolors it, causing a blackhead to appear.
Causes and Signs of Blackheads
Blackheads are caused by excess sebum plugging and blocking the pore and are often exacerbated by pore enlargement. To moisturize and protect the skin, sebaceous glands create sebum. Then again, uncontrolled sebum production could cause acne problems such as blackheads.
Androgens, often known as sex hormones, control sebum production. For women, hormonal factors like your monthly cycle or birth control may also play a role in forming blackheads.
For both men and women, other causes of blackheads include irritated hair follicles and a lack of skin exfoliation on the face. When a pore is blocked, the microorganisms Propionibacterium acnes convert sebum to energy, increasing sebum production.
Dealing with Blackheads
No matter how common blackheads are, we often find ourselves perplexed with how to deal with them. To get rid of them once and for all, follow these simple steps:
1. Cleanse and Scrub
To begin, carefully scrub your face in the morning and evening to detoxify the skin from makeup buildup, oil, sweat, air pollution, and dirt. Many of us have a misconception about how clean our skin is, leading to oxidation in the pores.
For this reason, it’s essential to give your face a thorough wash and scrub. You also have the option to ice your skin after cleansing to exfoliate and minimize inflammation.
2. Apply Skin Toner
More than its balancing effects, toner is also useful for removing soap residue. Excess skin, filth, and debris will linger in your pores if you do not remove them.
Apply retinol (or Bakuchiol, a non-irritating retinol-like chemical obtained from plants) and salicylic acid. After your exfoliation, your skin will be able to absorb products more efficiently!
3. Moisturize
Always, always, always moisturize. If you have an oily or combination skin type, the best way to balance it all out is to moisturize and reintroduce harmony to your skin. By doing this, you assist your skin in achieving normalcy.
When your skin is out of balance, it will naturally compensate for dryness and produce an excessive amount of sebum to soften. Simply combat this by using non-comedogenic oils and moisturizers into your routine.
Conclusion
Sometimes, it’s all about sticking to a healthy skincare routine. From cleansing, scrubbing, toning, and moisturizing, you may get rid of blackheads once and for all! You can explore further skincare products and natural options that purify your skin even further. Although if you are experiencing hormonal breakouts, seek a dermatologist who can help you address some of your underlying issues.
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